Georgia Wedding Venues With True Southern Charm

What do I need to know before contacting the hotel?

• It is important to know an estimated number of guests, preferred date and time, and an approximate budget for your wedding.  If possible, choose a few alternate dates.  For further flexibility on our availability and pricing, it may be worthwhile to consider an alternate day of the week/weekend, time of day, month or season.

Suggestions for planning my wedding?

• We suggest creating a vision board.  Either clip pictures from magazines or use a digitial app like Pinterst and make notes about what you have liked (and even disliked) at other weddings you have attended. This will help your Special Events Manager propose options for you based on your preferences and will also help you in selecting the appropriate flowers, cake, room décor and other special touches to make it uniquely your own.
  
  
• We highly recommend hiring a Wedding Planner to assist with managing vendors, timelines, and logistics. They can handle all the behind-the-scenes details, ensuring that everything runs smoothly and seamlessly, so you can focus on enjoying your special day with your loved ones.

How far in advance should I reserve the date?

• Weddings generally book 6 months to one year in advance; however, it is also dependent on the time of year and size of your party.

Who will be my main contact to assist me with my wedding planning?

• Our Catering Sales Manager will provide you a proposal with the availability and rates for your wedding.  She will meet with you upon request for an initial site visit to show you around our lakeside resort.  Once your wedding has been confirmed, a Special Events Manager will guide you through the important stages of designing the wedding of your dreams.

How do I get a Marriage License in Georgia?

• Visit any county courthouse in Georgia to obtain the marriage license if either party is a Georgia resident. If neither party is a resident of Georgia, the application must be made in the county where the marriage ceremony is to be performed. The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee is located in Greene County. Both bride and groom must be present to obtain the license.


• Bring certified copies of birth certificates and current photo identification issued by a state or federal government entity or a valid passport from any country with you to the courthouse.


• Present an original certified copy of a divorce decree if either party has been previously married and divorced within the last 12 months. (Some counties require a final divorce decree no matter how long you have been divorced.)


• Pay the license fee and head for the altar. (Some counties will only accept cash.) There is no waiting period for getting married in Georgia.

Greene County Courthouse

113 N. Main Street, Suite 113

Greensboro, Georgia 30642

Phone: (706) 453-3346

Hours of Operation:

8 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 

8 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Wednesday

Can food or beverage be brought in from the outside?

• It is our policy that all food and beverages must be provided by the resort.

When do I need to finalize my menu?

• Food and beverage selections must be finalized and confirmed with your Special Events Manager at least three weeks prior to the date of your wedding.

When do I need to let the hotel know exactly how many guests will be attending my event?

• Your Special Events Manager must be notified of the exact number of guests attending a function at least 72 working hours prior to the start of the event. This will be considered a guarantee, for which you will be charged, even if fewer guests attend the event. In either case, your contracted food and beverage minimum will have to be met.

Can I get my flowers from the hotel?

• The Floral Designer at The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee features custom-designed floral creations tailored to your own personal style from the bridal bouquets to centerpieces and décor. Your Special Events Manager will be happy to assist you in setting up a complimentary consultation with our floral designer.

What is the responsibility of a Special Events Manager?

• Act as the on-site liaison between your wedding coordinator and resort operations staff.


• Establish your guest room block and monitor the status of reservations (if applicable).


• Personally oversee the details of the bride and groom’s room reservations (if applicable).


• Recommend Special Event Professionals to provide wedding coordination, music, floral, photography, ceremony officiant, invitations and amenities.


• Act as menu consultant for all food and beverage selections.


• Detail your Banquet Event Order and Wedding “Resume” outlining all of your event specifics and overnight accommodations to ensure that all information is communicated successfully to the operational team of the resort.


• Create an estimate of charges outlining your financial commitments and deposit schedule.


• Create a floor plan of your function space in order for you to plan and provide the resort with your seating arrangements.


• Oversee the ceremony and reception room(s) setup, food preparation and other resort operations.


• Ensure a seamless transition to the Banquet Manager on the day of your event.


• Review your banquet checks for accuracy, prior to the completion of your final bill.


• Do you suggest photographers, entertainment and other vendors?


• The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee offers a list of preferred professional vendors such as officiates, photographers, videographers, and entertainment consultants.

What other services can The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee provide for my event?

• The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee can also provide a wide range of specialty items to help you personalize your event. These upgraded items include, but are not limited to: Chiavari chairs, specialty linens, specialty charger plates, menu cards, and place cards.


• We can also assist you with welcome baskets, bridesmaid and groomsmen gifts and a variety of other special amenities to help add that personal touch to your wedding. Costs for all items vary.

Does the resort offer a discounted room block?

• A room block is required when booking your wedding at the resort. Your Catering Sales Manager can provide you with availability and rates. A minimum number of guest rooms is required to receive a discounted group rate with a minimum of 10 or more guest rooms per night. This will require a group sales agreement with a guarantee of these rooms. Certain dates may be subject to a minimum night stay. Please note check-in time is 4 p.m. and checkout is 11 a.m.

What are the deposits based on and when are they due?

• Deposits are based on anywhere from 25% - 100% of the combined food and beverage minimum, plus the facility fees for the event space reserved. Deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Initial Deposit

• Due at the signature of the agreement and is based on 25% of the combined food and beverage minimum, plus the venue facility fee for the event space reserved.


• Second Deposit


• Due four months or 125 days prior to the event date and is based on 75% of the combined food and beverage minimum, plus the venue facility fee for the event space reserved.


• Final Deposit


• Due 14 working days prior to the event date and is based on the estimated final balance for your event, based on your actual food and beverage selections and all related costs such as décor, floral, and additional elements of your special day.


• The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee requires full pre-payment for all events. The above-outlined deposit policy is subject to change and could alter based on the actual date of the wedding.

What if we plan an outdoor ceremony and it rains?

• At The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee, we always hold an appropriately sized backup space inside the resort in case of inclement weather. The client will see the potential backup space prior to the event confirmation, during the original resort tour. A weather call must be made the evening prior to ensure enough setup time for vendors and resort staff.

May we take wedding pictures at The Ritz-Carlton if we are not holding our wedding or reception at the resort?

• We reserve the privilege of wedding photography at the resort for Ritz-Carlton brides and grooms exclusively.